Queen Sugar - S2E16 - Dream Variations

Previously on Queen Sugar, “Copper Sun”

Excuse me while I twerk in celebration of the end of Charley’s romance with Remy. No more of his wishy-washy ways, no more of him doubting her at every turn, and no more watching him talk himself out of getting some. Unfortunately, there seems to be a connection with Nova on the horizon, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

In happier relationship news, Hollywood proposed and Vi said yes. It’s a bit of a TV trope that when a couple is engaged they’re most likely not going to be the next ones to the altar. With Darla’s confession to Ralph Angel, and Vi’s recent string of bad news, her and Hollywood’s nuptials should have been obvious. Yet, it was still a pleasant surprise when Hollingsworth (yes, that’s his government name) delivered one of the most romantic and heartfelt proposals. Here’s to hoping season three goes a bit easier on the couple who’re goals.

And their story is the last bit of sunshine in a finale that left most of Queen Sugar’s players in pretty sad and precarious circumstances.

The most frustrating part of Charley’s story is how rushed it all feels. Yes, she’s spent much of the season having to reassure the local farmers that grinding with her was a good thing, but the sudden bailing of all but a few makes little sense because it’s all done based on worries that her mill isn’t operational. That’s something they can verify in less time than it will take them to cancel with her and go back to the Landry’s mill. Perhaps if there had been some sabotage on Landry’s end that made the mill actually unreliable, this would make more sense. Though, I still maintain it’s brilliant that Charley has found herself in a position where to take legal action against the farmers would actually do more harm to her cause.

Still, it’s done. And Charley is forced to tap into that cunning Remy has often held against her. She instructs Ralph Angel to grind with Landry while she enters into a business agreement with Boudreaux. Charley plans to annihilate them from the inside. Remy is against this, of course, and it forces him to admit that he doesn’t trust Charley — something we’ve known since the beginning of this season. He trusts Charley as long as she’s following his advice, which she has. I hope Charley’s plan works because I’m not looking forward to any gloating from Remy in season three.

To show Ralph Angel that she’s truly on his side, Charley informs Ra that she fired Darla. He’s still hurt and angry, but he understands how this (on top of everything else) could push Darla to relapse. He hits up her meeting and every known drug spot he can think of, but he doesn’t find her. A lesser show would send Darla back to the pipe, but Queen Sugar is showing no signs they’re interested in drama for drama’s sake. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who let out a grateful sigh of release when Ralph Angel found Darla swimming away her stress.

I’ve been one of the character’s harshest critics, but Ra showed more maturity than he has in two seasons when he breaks up with Darla after allowing her to explain. He loves her, he doesn’t want this break up, and he damn sure doesn’t want to be without Blue, but it takes a lot of strength for him to be honest now and say that this isn’t something he sees himself getting over. Maybe that will change — and I’m not sure I want it to because I was never 100% on them as a couple — but for now, this is what’s best.

It also led to one of Kofi Siriboe’s best schemes of the series. He’s finally able to pick Blue up for Violet’s and though he’s not aware of the problems between his parents, Blue has realized he hasn’t seen much of his father in days. Ralph Angel assures him he’s there for him and always will be. And he tells his son the story of his name; a name that is unique, his, and associated with everything good and true. With so much uncertainty facing the Bordelons in season three, the season couldn’t have ended on a better note.

More Tea

Nova’s activism has always been the least compelling story arc for me, even though it was responsible for some of Rutina Wesley’s best scenes. I’m curious to see what direction she takes next season as she dips her toes into more personal writing and it’s positively received by her editor.

It appears that Micah’s assault served to spark his own activism and not much else. Hopefully it will be explored more next season.

Nova and Remy shared a moment and a long-ass hug. I’m not here for that at all. Fix it, Jesus and Auntie Ava.

What did you think of the finale? Leave your thoughts below or on the Facebook post for this review, and we’ll read them on the podcast this weekend.